Chapter 15: It's just a game
The next day, Mokuba & Leon visit the Count of Monte Cristo at the appointed date and time. While his two guests are having brunch on a private balcony, the Count asks his right-hand man, Rafael for the information regarding the public executions.
"Rafael, are these the people to be executed for the final death penalty in China?"
"Yes, your Excellency. As such, the Chinese government has decided to make the execution public for a select few."
"And what about the crimes of the condemned?"
"The first committed theft of several Chinese relics. The second deliberately killed a wild Panda. And the third is a store owner who sold counterfeit items that was traced back to the Triad organization. All three men have committed nefarious crimes that are beyond redemption."
"I see, Rafael. You have done well; you may leave now."
Leon noticed that the Count made an exasperating sigh. 'Wonder why he would do that...?' wondered the German.
"Count, are you somehow annoyed by all this?" inquired the young man.
"Why, no, Herr Leon. Not at all. It's just that I was hoping for China's alternative form of execution: Death by firing squad. It is quite fascinating to witness such an event."
"But, how were you able to witness these executions? The Chinese public isn't allowed to watch the death sentence before until today."
"Well, money can buy anything..."
"Ah, I get your point. But, it is apparent that you seem almost obsessed with all this. Perhaps, you've seen or studied various types of executions from all over the world."
"There isn't a single one that I haven't witnessed or know about."
"And you relished while you watched these terrible events?"
"Not at all. At first, the feeling's disgust. The next, apathy. And finally, curiosity."
"You felt curious?! My God, what kind of a man are you?"
"The kind who believes that death itself is the one thing that the living should consider. Besides, isn't it fascinating to learn the ways of how one's soul departs from the body? Moreover, once you've seen others die, you will eventually embrace your own demise, whenever that occurs."
"Interesting, Count. Please continue."
"Very well," said the Count with sudden emotion. "If you ever were betrayed by someone... and if the love of your life was stolen from you... and then your life was utterly destroyed... wouldn't you want the person responsible for your suffering to feel endless despair? But, then... society's punishment would be by lethal injection, death by firing squad, etc... would you feel that society gave you adequate amends, even though your enemy felt mere seconds of pain compared to your years of suffering?"
"I understand exactly, Count. Justice is limited in that sense. But, there is the saying, 'an eye for an eye'. As such, one may only wish for nothing more than society's form of punishment."
"Bah!"
"You disagree with that phrase? Perhaps you feel that the one responsible for another's suffering would be punished, should he lose to the other in a deadly version of Duel Monsters?"
"Duel Monsters, you say? Why, I remember that I was the best in my day."
Hearing this, Mokuba joined the interesting discussion. "No, you're wrong, Count. The best was and still is my brother, Seto Kaiba."
The Count chuckled at Mokuba's claim. 'Foolish boy... your brother was a coward who had to send me to prison to get back his title!'
"You laugh at the truth, Count?" asked the young Kaiba.
"Not at all, my young acquaintance. But, perhaps you haven't seen me... on the playing field."
Mokuba muttered, "We'll see..."
Monte Cristo then turned to where the execution was taking place. "Ah, the first of the three executions is about to take place!"
His guests, however, cringed as soon as they saw the thief's lifeless body after a couple of minutes. "Then, there are two..." said the nobleman.
"I can't believe that you're able to watch this and still eat, your Excellency!" cried Mokuba.
When the other two condemned appeared, the Count started to pull out something: a letter. "What's that in your hand, Count?" inquired Leon.
"Why this? Oh, it's just a reprieve from a high-ranking government official. With this, I can instantly pardon one of the two men that are to be put to death today. And to make things interesting... I've written the initials of those men on these two playing cards. Now, all you have to do, Mokuba, is to pick one card..."
"How the hell did you get that?!" asked Leon.
Mokuba questioned, "And then the guy who's name bears those initials will be pardoned?"
"Exactly."
"But... that's a sick game, Count!"
"Hmph! Isn't life also a game as well, Mokuba? And besides, those two men that you see on stage... will all die eventually."
"But--"
"All we're doing is merely delaying the inevitable death for one lucky man... while the other, shall die today. It's just a game, Kaiba." said the aristocrat with subtle hatred.
The Count then stares at Mokuba with a hypnotic-like gaze. Seeing the young man reluctant to play the 'game', the eccentric nobleman tries to force the other's hand.
"Then, how about this? Will you play my game, if I admit that your brother is the best in what he does, my young friend?"
After much reluctance, Mokuba chooses his older brother's reputation over the lives of the two men that are to be executed. 'I know that I'm going to regret this, but at least the Count will admit to his folly.'
"All right, your Excellency. I'll play your game." The Count continues to place the two cards onto the table. Once the two cards lie on the table, Mokuba hesitatingly reaches for one of them. The card that Mokuba picked is...
About a minute later, the executioners receive a call from their superior. "Looks like the boss just got word of a pardon," said one officer.
The second man asked, "Is it legit?"
"Yeah, it's from him."
"Oh, I see. Well, let's get to it then. So, it's for the poor kid; the store owner, right?"
"Yeah, that's our man. Better get this over with."
The police officers then release the fear-stricken store owner. However, the Panda killer becomes outraged at this sudden turn of events. Filled with intense rage, the bound poacher tries to free himself from his captors and soon-to-be executioners. Meanwhile, back at the Count of Monte Cristo's private balcony, Mokuba gets shocked at his result.
"I can't believe you, Count! You tricked me; the initial on this card..." As he's saying this, Mokuba reaches for the other playing card. "Is the same on the other!"
The young man feels that he's been made a fool, in front of his best friend no less!.
Monte Cristo responded, "I did tell you that it was only a game; this was merely a psychological one, and by the way, I've won."
Humiliated and angry, Mokuba takes his leave from his strange host. Leon immediately follows suit. The Count, however, watches the poacher's final moments of living, feeling much satisfaction.
'That boy... is merely falling into my trap...'
"Rafael!"
The loyal servant appeared before his master without hesitation. He asked, "What is it you ask of me, your Excellency?"
"Call my associate here in China."
"Which one, master?"
"The one linked to the store owner."
"As you wish, your Excellency. Anything else?"
"No. That will be all for now."
Later that day, Leon pays a visit to the Count around midnight. When the young German appeared before the dark, mysterious man, he seemed very frantic and desperate.
"Why, what is the matter, Herr Leon? And where is your friend?" asked Monte Cristo.
"Your Excellency! I'm sorry for disturbing you at this late hour, but... I need your help!"
"Ah, what kind of help, my young friend?"
"Mokuba's been kidnapped!"